[ Keylogger software, also known as "Computer Monitoring Software" or "keystroke logger", is a program that secretly records all the activity that takes place on a computer (PC or MAC). Every keystroke typed, websites visited, chat conversations, printed documents, created or modifies files and more are recorded with this key logger spy software software. ]
A key logger, or keystroke logger, is a piece or hardware of software which records user keystrokes.
Hardware Key Loggers
Hardware keyloggers are used for keystroke logging, a method of capturing and recording computer users' keystrokes, including sensitive passwords. They can be implemented via BIOS-level firmware, or alternatively, via a device plugged inline between a computer keyboard and a computer. They log all keyboard activity to their internal memory.
A hardware key logger is a small piece of hardware which is usually inserted between the keyboard port and the keyboard. The hardware key logger then records all user keystrokes to it's internal memory. These devices have memory capacities between 8Kb and 2MB.
Because these devices can be spotted by an alert user, manufacturers now offer hardware key loggers which are disguised as baluns and also complete keyboards with hardware key loggers built-in.
Software Key Loggers
A software key logger such as Spector Pro can save the expense of purchasing a hardware key logger.
A good software key logger should use very little memory and very few CPU cycles, so as not to attract attention to itself. A good key logger should also hide itself from the Task List and from the Uninstall List. A good key logger should be invisible to the person being monitored.
Many software keystroke loggers are integrated with other surreptitious recording software, such as screen capture software, remote control software, or audio and video recorders.
Overview of key logger spy software
Keyloggers are not always used by criminals or hackers, some company's use a keylogger to track their employee's activity and to monitor the use of the company's computers and Internet by the employees. It will depend on exact company policy but whether these programs are used or not may not be public knowledge within the firm.
The biggest advantage of a keylogger is that it can be used as a back up program for security purposes, so that you won't be able to forget your passwords, user names and other important information.
The negative aspect of a keylogger is that many hackers use this kind of software to steal their victim's personal information. It is a very harmful program when it is in the wrong hands because it runs invisibly as a low level system process. This program usually starts up when your computer is booted, so there is no way for you to detect it. Keyloggers are especially dangerous to anyone who uses online cash sites such as Pay pal for a large amount of money.
A keylogger builds a log of everything typed into a keyboard to be reviewed by a third party. Keyloggers can be used for legitimate purposes to troubleshoot networks, analyze employee productivity, or to assist law enforcement, for example; or they can be used for illegitimate purposes to surreptitiously spy on people for personal gain. A keylogger can be a hardware device or a software program.
Keyloggers are widely available online but are also easy to write, making them a real threat to personal security and an easy tool for the growing problem of identity theft. At this time there is no sure-fire way to protect yourself against all forms of keyloggers, but there are steps you can take to minimize risk.
Install top-notch anti-virus and anti-spyware on your system, preferably programs that help to prevent keyloggers and watch for keylogging activities. This doesn't guarantee you won't get a keylogger, but it helps by recognizing and removing known keylogger signatures.
Regularly check the processes running on your system looking for anything that doesn't belong. In Windows systems you can use Task Manager to view running processes. Third party applications are also available that will not only show you which processes are running, but will provide a direct link to information online regarding the nature of the process. If you are unfamiliar with running processes, this is a good place to start to familiarize yourself with what you should expect to see in your system, and what you shouldn't. (Remote computer Surveillance Software)
A firewall commonly does not provide keylogger protection but can alert you if a program is trying to send information out to the Internet. By stopping this action you can prevent a thief from retrieving a log, and be alerted to the possible presence of a keylogger.